Full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly, communication system including same, and associated method

ABSTRACT

A communication system includes a plurality of full duplex transceiver assemblies each having an ON condition and an OFF condition, and configured to be worn by a different user, each of the plurality of full duplex transceiver assemblies having a housing and printed circuit board coupled to the housing, the printed circuit board including a transceiver having a microprocessor. Each microprocessor is configured to emit a different stream of controlling data when the plurality of full duplex transceiver assemblies are in the ON condition, thereby allowing each of the plurality of full duplex transceiver assemblies to communicate among a plurality of different logical channels. Embedded with each different stream of controlling data is a unique identification number for grouping each of the plurality of full duplex transceiver assemblies together.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part patent application claimingpriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/120,432, filed Dec. 14,2020, and entitled “COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, FULL DUPLEX TRANSCEIVERASSEMBLY AND FULL DUPLEX TRANSCEIVER AMPLIFIER ASSEMBLY THEREFOR, ANDASSOCIATED METHOD,” which claims priority to and claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/956,797, filed Jan. 3,2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure is related to a communication system. The presentdisclosure is also related to full duplex transceiver assemblies andfull duplex transceiver amplifier assemblies for communication systems.The present disclosure is also related to methods of providing acommunication system.

Description of Related Art

Known communication systems that use frequency hopping employ assignedchannel hopping in order to provide each device within the system theability to switch off of a busy channel and onto another channel. Forexample, different systems may employ algorithms in order to allow agiven device to directly jump from one frequency to another. Thesecommunication systems had been successful prior to an influx of otherdevices in the Industrial, Scientific and Medical Radio Band (ISM)frequencies. While the instant disclosed concept is not limited to anyparticular communication setting, comparisons may be made to systems inthe amateur and professional sports contexts, wherein devices typicallyoperate in congested frequencies. In these contexts, the influx ofdevices (e.g., cordless phones, sideline replay systems, wirelessscoreboards, WiFi, and wireless intercoms) near (e.g., or in in the samestadium during a contest) coaches and other personnel usingcommunication equipment has complicated their ability to move betweenfrequencies.

Furthermore, using assigned channel hopping has become significantlyharder to provide clear and interference free communications when alarge number of devices are paired together (e.g., when multiple coacheson a single team are paired together), or when multiple groups arewithin the same area of operation. For example, because of theinterference that occurs when multiple devices are hopping betweenfrequencies, it is common in known systems for different groups to berestricted to different frequencies. During a football game, forexample, this may present as one team's communication system (e.g.,communication equipment for head coach one, offensive coordinator one,special teams coordinator one, etc.) being assigned and restricted toISM frequencies 902-915 Mhz during the contest, while the other team'scommunication system (e.g., communication equipment for head coach two,offensive coordinator two, special teams coordinator two, etc.) isassigned and restricted to ISM frequencies 916-928 Mhz during thecontest. This undesirably restricts the ability of, in the sport'sarena, coaches and personnel to communicate with one another over theentire ISM spectrum. Specifically, changing physical channels in a busyfrequency spectrum often results in devices moving among other devicesoccupying the same frequencies, thus generating a “popping” sound (e.g.,caused by a lengthy amount of time associated with moving from frequencyto frequency) that is able to be heard by all devices on a givenfrequency.

In the multi-billion dollar a year National Football League (NFL)industry, for example, coaches use communication devices to communicatefrom coaches in the press box to coaches on the field, amongst eachother, and to communicate with players, who might have a miniaturereceiver in his or her helmet. The best solution for the NFL in today'sart is to have a plurality of devices worn on the coach in order toallow for this type of communication. FIGS. 1 and 2 show current priorart views of a communication unit 2 that is typically worn by a footballcoach during an NFL game. As shown, the unit 2 includes a full duplextransceiver 10 to allow the coach to communicate with other coaches, awalkie talkie 20 in order to enable the coach to communicate with aplayer on the field, an interface device 30 in order to mate the walkietalkie 20 with the full duplex transceiver 10, a router (shown but notlabeled) to assist with connecting the coach to other coaches, and anarray of antennas (not shown) needed to be placed near the coaches onthe field. This array of antennas (not shown) is provided so that thetransceivers associated with a given team will capture the frequencywith more power and communicate with each other without talking overother transceivers (e.g., of another team). The proximity to theantennas enables the transceivers for that specific team to do this.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that this is an excessively largenumber of devices that each coach must carry on their belt, requiringwasteful time to assemble, complicating their ability to coach, as wellas move around the sidelines. Additionally, having such a large numberof devices increases the cost of the unit per coach. Furthermore,because of the frequency congestion, two days prior to an NFL game, itis common for a team of engineers to be required to arrive at a stadiumand sweep to determine if there are other devices that would interferewith headsets being used for the upcoming game. If other devices arefound in the stadium, they are marked and must be turned off during thegame in order to prevent interference.

Another drawback with known communication systems pertains to singledata distribution (SDD). Specifically, known communication systems thatemploy a plurality of paired devices (e.g., in a football context, ahead coach's communication devices, an offensive coordinator'scommunication devices, and a special teams' coordinator's communicationdevices, and all the other coaches that make up the coaching staff)typically have one device (e.g., one of the head coach's communicationdevices) set up as the SDD device which sends frequency hoppingsequences to all of the other paired devices. Accordingly, while all ofthe paired devices are turned on and communicating with one another,this SDD device instructs each of the remaining devices in the groupwhen and what channel to switch to. However, with today's art, if thisSDD device were to fail for any reason, all of the remaining devices inthe paired group will no longer be instructed what frequencies to switchto, thereby undesirably ending communication between the remainingdevices Eliminating a single point of failure with today's methods wouldrequire excessively large amounts of equipment, as well as down time forthe excessive equipment to turn on and establish a sync method for theremaining paired devices to follow, once the SDD device has failed.

For at least the foregoing reasons, an improved communication system,full duplex transceiver assembly and full duplex transceiver amplifierassembly therefor, and associated method are provided herein.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosed concept, a communicationsystem includes a plurality of full duplex transceiver assemblies eachhaving an ON condition and an OFF condition, and configured to be wornby a different user, each of the plurality of full duplex transceiverassemblies having a housing and printed circuit board coupled to thehousing, the printed circuit board including a transceiver having amicroprocessor. Each microprocessor is configured to emit a differentstream of controlling data when the plurality of full duplex transceiverassemblies are in the ON condition, thereby allowing each of theplurality of full duplex transceiver assemblies to communicate among aplurality of different logical channels. Embedded with each differentstream of controlling data is a unique identification number forgrouping each of the plurality of full duplex transceiver assembliestogether.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed concept, a fullduplex transceiver assembly includes a housing, and a printed circuitboard coupled to the housing, the printed circuit board comprising atransceiver having a microprocessor. The microprocessor is configured toemit a stream of controlling data when the full duplex transceiverassembly is in an ON condition, thereby allowing the full duplextransceiver assembly to communicate among a plurality of differentlogical channels with a plurality of other full duplex transceiverassemblies. Embedded within the steam of controlling data is a uniqueidentification number for grouping the full duplex transceiver assemblyand the plurality of other full duplex transceiver assemblies together.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed concept, a fullduplex transceiver amplifier assembly includes a housing, abi-directional microphone coupled to the housing, a printed circuitboard coupled to and disposed within the housing, the printed circuitboard comprising a transceiver having a microprocessor, and abi-directional amplifier, and a speaker electrically connected to theprinted circuit board, the amplifier being electrically connected to themicrophone, the speaker and the transceiver. The microprocessor isconfigured to emit a delayed controlling stream of data, therebyallowing audio to pass between the transceiver and the amplifier withoutfeedback, regardless of the amplification level and the proximity of themicrophone to the speaker.

In accordance with a further aspect of the disclosed concept, a methodof providing a communication system includes the steps of providing aplurality of full duplex transceiver assemblies each having an ONcondition and an OFF condition, and configured to be worn by a differentuser, each of the plurality of full duplex transceiver assembliescomprising a housing and printed circuit board coupled to the housing,the printed circuit board having a transceiver having a microprocessor,emitting a different stream of controlling data with the microprocessorof each of the plurality of full duplex transceiver assemblies when theplurality of full duplex transceiver assemblies are in the ON condition,thereby allowing each of the plurality of full duplex transceiverassemblies to communicate among a plurality of different logicalchannels, and embedding with each different stream of controlling data aunique identification number for grouping each of the plurality of fullduplex transceiver assemblies together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of thisdisclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparentand the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to thefollowing descriptions of embodiments of the disclosure taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are different views of a prior art unit for acommunication system used by coaches in the NFL;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a full duplex transceiver assembly for acommunication system, in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment ofthe disclosed concept;

FIG. 4 is a simplified view of a communication system employing the fullduplex transceiver assembly of FIG. 3 , in accordance with onenon-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept;

FIG. 5 is a simplified view of the full duplex transceiver assembly ofFIG. 3 , and shown with a portion of the housing removed in order to seehidden structures;

FIG. 6 is an array of data emitted by a full duplex transceiverassembly, in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of thedisclosed concept;

FIG. 7 is another array of data emitted by a full duplex transceiverassembly, in accordance with another non-limiting embodiment of thedisclosed concept;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a headset assembly, in accordance withone non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept;

FIG. 9 is a chart of features and sub channel assignments, in accordancewith embodiments of the disclosed concept;

FIG. 10 is a chart of reliability provided by data diversity, inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosed concept;

FIG. 11 shows a conventional sideline huddle wherein multiple playersare gathered around a coach to discuss game strategy;

FIGS. 12 and 13 show different views of a full duplex transceiveramplifier assembly assembly, in accordance with one non-limitingembodiment of the disclosed concept; and

FIG. 14 is a simplified view of the full duplex transceiver amplifierassembly of FIGS. 12 and 13 .

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate exemplary aspects of the disclosure, and suchexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of thedisclosure in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the artto make and use the described embodiments contemplated for carrying outthe concept. Various modifications, equivalents, variations, andalternatives, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled inthe art. Any and all such modifications, variations, equivalents, andalternatives are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of thepresent concept.

As employed herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integergreater than one (e.g., a plurality).

As employed herein, the term “coupled” shall mean connected togethereither directly or via one or more intermediate parts or components.

As employed herein, the term “logical channel” shall mean acommunication channel provided by a scaled stream of controlling,advisory, and functional data which is emitted into the RF stream by amicroprocessor. In prior art systems, when two transceivers are both ona given fixed frequency, they communicate freely with one another on achannel. On “logical channels”, in accordance with the disclosed conceptand by way of contrast, the communication channels have digitalinformation embedded in the emitted stream of controlling data, digitalinformation which is passed through a single fixed frequency, therebyallowing multiple transceivers, devices, and functions to operate onthat single frequency.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a full duplex transceiver assembly 102for a communication system, e.g., communication system 202, shown insimplified form in FIG. 4 wherein 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262,272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 represent full duplex transceiverassemblies, each structured similar to or the same as the full duplextransceiver assembly 102; and 104, 214, 224, 234, 244, 254, 264, 274,284, 294, 304, and 314 represent headsets that are directly connectedwith the corresponding full duplex transceiver assemblies. It will beappreciated that each user (e.g., an NFL coach, a firefighter, anairline worker, and/or anyone who requires hands free full duplexcommunication) within a communication system as disclosed herein, isadvantageously configured to be associated with, or, to wear, a singlefull duplex transceiver assembly and headset. As will be discussed ingreater detail below, among other benefits, employing the full duplextransceiver assembly 102 in a communication system such as thecommunication system 202 significantly improves the ability ofcommunication to occur without interruption, advantageously reduces theamount of equipment needed to be worn in, for example, an NFL contest,and eliminates the need for sweeps to be made in stadiums by teams ofengineers before contests. As shown, the full duplex transceiverassembly 102 has a digital display 112, channel adjustment buttons 130,volume adjustment buttons 132, a push to talk button 134, a power button136, a menu button 138, and a cable controlled voltage feature with itsvoltage output terminated on two of the six pins located at themicrophone connection jack (not shown).

The digital display 112 is configured to display to a user which channelthey are on. The channel adjustment buttons 130 of each of the fullduplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272,282, 292, 302, and 312 are electrically connected to a respectivemicroprocessor, and responsive to pushing one of the channel adjustmentbuttons 130, the full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232,242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 are caused to move among aplurality of logical channels. For example, in the football context, ahead football coach desiring to talk to the offensive coordinator might,for example and without limitation, press the channel button until thedigital display reads “OFFENSE,” and a customized audible “OFFENSE” isheard in the associated headset. Additionally, by pressing the up anddown volume adjustment buttons 132, the volume in a correspondingheadset attached to the full duplex transceiver assembly isadvantageously able to be adjusted. The push to talk button 134 providesa simple mechanism by which, as will be discussed below, communicationcan be had with, for example, a player on a football field, without theneed for a separate communication device and associated equipment (e.g.,the walkie talkie 20, interface device 30, and router showed in FIGS. 1and 2 ). The push to talk button 134 also serves as the method to allowthe controlled voltage to appear on two of the six pins of themicrophone connector, or also serve as the mechanism to communicate ifthe full duplex transceiver assembly 102 is programmed as push to talkinstead of full duplex (e.g., talk openly). The power button 136 allowsa user to turn the full duplex transceiver assembly on and off, andserve as a method to view the status of the full duplex transceiverassembly 102, such as a battery indicator, User ID, and other deviceswithin the group on the same logical channel. The menu button 138advantageously functions to mute audio (e.g., if a user presses thebutton 138, other full duplex transceiver assemblies cannot hear audiofrom that user), adjust the brightness of the digital display 112,adjust microphone loudness from a user, and allow for a new full duplextransceiver assembly to be programmed to function in a communicationsystem, such as system 202 by providing a pairing method (with a uniquepairing code associated with that group of full duplex transceiverassemblies) and user ID assignment). Regarding pairing and user IDassignment, pressing the menu button 138 assigns a user ID to that newfull duplex transceiver assembly. Subsequently, pressing the push totalk button 134 will wirelessly pair the full duplex transceiverassembly to other full duplex transceiver assemblies within the system,and will take encryption from other full duplex transceiver assembliesand pair it into the new full duplex transceiver assembly The cablecontrolled voltage feature provides a further advantageous function ofallowing the user of the full duplex transceiver assembly 102 toenergize distant equipment. As will be discussed below, this hasbenefits in other industries, such as the airline industry. Thisfunction is selectable in either a momentary voltage or latched voltageoutput.

FIG. 5 is a simplified view of the full duplex transceiver assembly 102of FIG. 3 , and shown with a portion of the housing 110 removed. Asshown, coupled to the inside of the housing 110 is a printed circuitboard 150. The printed circuit board 150 includes a transceiver 151having a microprocessor 152. Each of the full duplex transceiverassemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and312 has an ON condition and an OFF condition, and when in the ONcondition, the microprocessors 152 are each configured to actively emita number of different streams of identical controlling data 160consisting of a binary sequence of numbers, thereby allowing each of theplurality of full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242,252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 to communicate among a pluralityof different logical channels. The number of different streams ofidentical controlling data 160 emitted by the microprocessor 152 of thefull duplex transceiver assembly 102 are also each different than thenumber of streams of identical controlling data being emitted by all ofthe other corresponding microprocessors in the communication system 202,for reasons that will be discussed below. Additionally, it will beappreciated that each of the full duplex transceiver assemblies 102,212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 is configuredto receive the different streams of controlling data of all of the otherfull duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262,272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 at the same time. In one example embodiment,the data is 256 bits long. This data 160 (e.g., and the data from theother full duplex transceiver assemblies) provides a novel mechanism bywhich the full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242,252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 can communicate with each other.In the example of FIG. 4 , the wireless communication symbols representdata that is being emitted by the microprocessors of each of the fullduplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272,282, 292, 302, and 312.

In order for the full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232,242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 to communicate with eachother, embedded within each different stream of controlling data 160(e.g., and the data from the other full duplex transceiver assemblies)that they are emitting is a unique identification number for groupingeach of the plurality of full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212,222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 together. Stateddifferently, in the example of FIG. 4 , each of the full duplextransceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292,302, and 312 is emitting a different unique identification number, whichfunctions to group all of the full duplex transceiver assemblies 102,212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 together.Additionally, all of the full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212,222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312, by having anidentification number, know the exact frequency sequence for preciseuninterrupted hopping within the group. Furthermore, within the data 160(e.g., and the data from the other full duplex transceiver assemblies),information (e.g., audio and control information) is sent fromtransceiver to transceiver, thereby allowing for multiple functions tobe performed, and also preventing the auxiliary functions of the fullduplex transceiver assemblies from being interrupted by other devicessharing the same physical channel within the communication system 202.

Rather than being passed on a physical channel, the information ispassed using the data 160 (e.g., and the data from the other full duplextransceiver assemblies). Stated differently, employing the disclosedmethod allows all the full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222,232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 within the communicationsystem 202 to be linked together and exchange data amongst themselves.As each of the full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232,242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 emit data that may be 256bits long, it follows that each of the full duplex transceiverassemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and312 may have 256 corresponding logical channels. In turn, the fullduplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272,282, 292, 302, and 312 that are together on one of the 256 logicalchannels are actually on the same physical channel. For example, andcontinuing to refer to FIG. 5 , if the users of full duplex transceiverassemblies 102 and 212 each have a “1” as the fourth number in theirdata 160, both full duplex transceiver assemblies 102 and 212 cancommunicate on that channel. In the example embodiment, the first sixlogical channels represent channels on which users can communicate infull duplex (e.g., openly talk to each other). With respect to the fullduplex transceiver assembly 102 depicted in FIG. 5 , this means that,because the sequence of the data 160 begins with “110110”, its user canopenly communicate on the first, second, fourth, and fifth logicalchannels by moving the channel buttons 130 (FIG. 3 ) to those channels.With this improved method of logical channel assignment, one of the fullduplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272,282, 292, 302, and 312 within the same group can receive and transmitdata on any one of the logical channel numbers without being interruptedby co-channel users.

In the example of FIG. 4 , this corresponds to a significantly improvedmethod of communication. Specifically, if full duplex transceiverassemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, and 252 have a “1” in the first bitspace of the controlling data they are emitting, those six full duplextransceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, and 252 can freelycommunicate in full duplex on logical channel one. At the same time asfull duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, and 252 arecommunicating on logical channel one, if full duplex transceiverassemblies 262 and 272 have a “1” in their second bit spaces of thecontrolling data they are emitting, they can simultaneously communicatein full duplex on logical channel two. Additionally, while all of thiscommunication is going on with full duplex transceiver assemblies 102,212, 222, 232, 242, and 252 on the first logical channel, and with fullduplex transceiver assemblies 262 and 272 on the second logical channel,full duplex transceiver assemblies 282 and 292 can freely communicate infull duplex on the third logical channel, provided they each have a “1”in their third bit space of the controlling data they are emitting.Additionally, full duplex transceiver assemblies 302 and 312 cansimultaneously freely communicate in full duplex on the fourth logicalchannel, provided they each have a “1” in their fourth bit space of thecontrolling data they are emitting.

This is depicted in FIG. 4 , which shows one of the plurality ofsequences the full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232,242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 are configured to have. Inthe sequence of FIG. 4 , two or more of the full duplex transceiverassemblies (in the non-limiting example of FIG. 4 it is the full duplextransceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, and 252) are on a firstlogical channel (e.g., have a binary bit “1” in the first space of thecontrolling data they are each emitting), thereby allowing the users ofthese full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, and252 to communicate with each other on the first logical channel in fullduplex. Simultaneously (e.g., while full duplex transceiver assemblies102, 212, 222, 232, 242, and 252 are communicating on logical channel 1with each other), another two or more of the plurality of full duplextransceiver assemblies (in the non-limiting example of FIG. 4 it is thefull duplex transceiver assemblies 262 and 272) are on a second logicalchannel (e.g., have a binary bit “1” in the second space of thecontrolling data they are each emitting), thereby allowing the users ofthese full duplex transceiver assemblies 262 and 272 to communicate onthe second logical channel in full duplex. Simultaneously (e.g., whilefull duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, and 252 arecommunicating on logical channel 1 and full duplex transceiverassemblies 262 and 272 are communicating on logical channel 2), it iscontemplated that a further two or more full duplex transceiverassemblies (in the non-limiting example of FIG. 4 it is the full duplextransceiver assemblies 282 and 292) are on a third logical channel(e.g., have a “1” in the third bit space of the controlling data theyare each emitting), thereby allowing the users of these full duplextransceiver assemblies 282 and 292 to communicate on the third logicalchannel in full duplex. Additionally, in the first sequence, anadditional two or more of the full duplex transceiver assemblies (in theexample of FIG. 4 it is the full duplex transceiver assemblies 302 and312) are on a fourth logical channel (e.g., have a “1” in the fourth bitspace of the controlling data they are each emitting), thereby allowingthe users of these full duplex transceiver assemblies 302 and 312 tocommunicate on the fourth logical channel in full duplex.

As a result of the novel communication system 202, any full duplextransceiver assembly can have a “1” in one or more than one of the bitspaces, thereby providing a communication connection among all of theusers on any logical channel. In the NFL, it is important for the headcoach to communicate something during the game to all coaches at thesame time regardless of what channel they are on. By pressing andholding one of the volume adjustment buttons 132, a “1” is automaticallyinserted in all logical channels, thus allowing the head coach to makeone broadcast that will allow all coaches regardless of the channel theyare on to hear the head coach. In addition, pressing the push to talkbutton 134 allows another “1” to be inserted into the bit space, therebyproviding communication to the helmet receiver channel and/or providingoutput power on two pins.

Moreover, because of the novel method of call distribution, pressing andholding one of the volume adjustment buttons 132 will allow a “1” to beinserted into all bits that provide communication to the helmetreceiver, and/or produce voltages on all full duplex transceiverassemblies that are programmed to produce such voltage. As an example,in an airport environment, controlling voltage on full duplextransceiver assemblies is very useful. Pressing the push to talk button134 will produce voltage on one full duplex transceiver assembly thatmay turn on one runway light, however pressing and holding one of thevolume adjustment buttons 132 will provide output on all full duplextransceiver assemblies, thus turning on multiple runway lights. Anotheruseful feature not employed in today's art is the need to broadcast overpubic safety full duplex transceiver assemblies at the same time. Mostfire trucks have more than one radio which they use to communicate on toone or more than one dispatch centers. However, in today's art, thefirefighter can only talk on one radio at a time. By interconnecting oneof the disclosed full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 202, 212, 222,232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 with one or more publicsafety radios on multiple radio bands, firefighters will advantageouslyhave the ability to communicate to the dispatch centers by pressingtheir respective push to talk button (e.g., button 134). Each logicalchannel can connect to a specific radio or radios operating on differentbands simply by pressing the push to talk button 134. In addition, inthe event of an emergency where mutual aid is needed, the firefightercan simply press and hold the one of the volume adjustment buttons 132,which will activate all radios and provide one single transmission to bebroadcast over all public safety bands.

In the example of FIG. 4 , the full duplex transceiver assemblies 102,212, 222, 232, 242, and 252 on the first logical channel, the fullduplex transceiver assemblies 262 and 272 on the second logical channel,the full duplex transceiver assemblies 282 and 292 on the third logicalchannel, and the full duplex transceiver assemblies 302 and 312 on thefourth logical channel are all on the same actual frequency, but providesuch communication as if they are on separate physical channels. It willbe appreciated that any alternative combination of communication amongstthe full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252,262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 of the communication system 202 ispossible, as a result of the logical channel assignment method of thedisclosed concept. Furthermore, any one of the full duplex transceiverassemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and312 can share other independent features. For example and withoutlimitation, with multiple full duplex transceiver assemblies being on asingle logical channel, the users are free to communicate in fullduplex.

Furthermore, the communication system 202 is also advantageous tofirefighters fighting to extinguish a fire. It is known that during afire, firefighters have to hold on to fire hoses. These hoses, due tothe immensely large volume of water passing through them, requireconsiderable strength to hold. As such, usage of both hands by afirefighter on the hose is desirable. However, the systems by whichtoday's firefighters communicate today generally require a firefighterholding the hose to remove one of their hands from the hose, press abutton on their full duplex transceiver assembly, and communicate to theother firefighters that water flow is at a dangerous pressure and needsto be lowered immediately. This transition is a dangerous moment for afirefighter because the hose is being grasped by only one hand. Inaccordance with the disclosed concept, a firefighter wearing the fullduplex transceiver assembly 102 can communicate in full duplex withother firefighters, who can turn off the water without the firefighterwho is holding the hose ever having to let go.

In addition, with respect to safety, in today's systems where a firefighter uses a standard walkie talkie, this would prevent the firefighter from communicating with the 911 dispatch center to deploy moreresources if the fire was extensive. With the controlled voltage featurethat the disclosed concept implements, a fire fighter, in addition tocommunicating with other team members in full duplex (e.g., speakingopenly with one another) within the group, can communicate to the 911dispatch center. In order to perform this function, the fire fighter canpush the push to talk button 134 to activate another device that isconnected into a 911 transceiver, which is mounted in a fire truck,other vehicle, or portable that is connected to the 911 dispatch center.This allows the user of the device to have extreme safety by using fullduplex communication for team members, as well as direct connect to the911 dispatch center when pressing the push to talk button 134. Moreover,by pressing one of the volume adjustment buttons 132, a controlledvoltage on one or more full duplex transceiver assemblies connected toone or more radios on different bands will be released. As such, if forexample different fire departments in different counties were togetherfighting a fire, firefighters using one of the disclosed full duplextransceiver assemblies who press a volume adjustment button will producea voltage (e.g., five volts) on other full duplex transceiverassemblies, such as the full duplex transceiver assemblies connected toeach bands radio, thereby allowing that firefighter not only communicateon his primary band, but also to communicate on a second band. That is,that firefighter would not have to switch over between channels to talkto a different firefighter and a dispatch center. Stated differently,pressing one button will transmit to different dispatch centers,significantly saving the fire fighter time and also improving safety.

It will also be appreciated that the communication system 202 allows forcommunication with external receivers, such as external receivers 407,408, 409, and 410, shown as part of the communication system 202 in FIG.4 . Referring again to FIG. 5 , in one example embodiment, bit spaces7-11 represent channels on which the full duplex transceiver assembly102 is capable of communicating with the external receivers 407, 408,409, 410. As the data 160 in this sequence is “100000”, the full duplextransceiver assembly 102 is capable of communicating with receiverslistening to the seventh logical channel, e.g., the receiver 407 shownin FIG. 4 . As such, responsive to the full duplex transceiver assembly102 pushing the push to talk button 134 (FIG. 3 ), the full duplextransceiver assembly 102 can communicate with at least one of theexternal receivers 407, 408, 409, and 410 while still communicatingamong the plurality of different logical channels, as long as the pushto talk button of the full duplex transceiver assembly 102 is beingpushed. This allows the receiver 407 to listen to the communication fromthe full duplex transceiver assembly 102 since it is sending data on oneof the logical channels 7-12 associated with the receiver 407, and thelogical channels 1-6. It will also be appreciated that any of the otherreceivers 408, 409, and 410 could also or alternately be programmed tolisten to the seventh channel, wherein the full duplex transceiverassembly 102 might communicate with any number of receivers.Additionally, if the user of the full duplex transceiver assembly 212 inthe sequence of FIG. 4 were to push its push to talk button, that usercould be allowed to communicate with at least one other of the externalreceivers 408, 409, and 410 while still communicating among theplurality of different logical channels, as long as the push to talkbutton of the second full duplex transceiver assembly is being pushed.Furthermore, it is contemplated that if the user of the transceiver 212in the sequence of FIG. 4 were to push its push to talk button, thatuser could communicate with at least one of the external receivers 407,408, 409, and 410 while still communicating among the plurality ofdifferent logical channels, as long as the push to talk button of thefull duplex transceiver assembly 212 is being pushed.

It also follows that if the data were to have a “0” in the seventh dataspace and a “1” in the eighth data space, the full duplex transceiverassembly 102 would be programmed to communicate with receivers listeningto the eighth logical channel instead of the seventh. Additionally, inone example embodiment, the push to talk button 134 feature is providedas the fourteenth bit space of the data 160. Accordingly, if the data160 provides for a “1” in one of the bit spaces 7-12, it necessarilyfollows that the data 160 will have a “0” in the fourteenth bit space,as shown in FIG. 5 . Moreover, it is also contemplated that if a user ofthe full duplex transceiver assembly 102 presses and holds one of thevolume adjustment buttons 132 (e.g., the down button), a “1” is insertedinto its bit spaces 7 to 12, thereby allowing that user to communicateto all receivers at the same time.

In an NFL context, for example and without limitation, this may presentas an offensive coordinator wearing the full duplex transceiver assembly102 pressing the push to talk button 134 in order to allow a quarterbackwearing the receiver 407 (e.g., via his or her helmet) to be tuned into,for example, the conversations of the coaches on the offensive logicalchannel. While typical push to talk features in prior art systems areprovided on separate devices, such as the walkie talkie 20 shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , the instant disclosed concept advantageously integratesthis feature with the full duplex transceiver assembly 102. As such, itwill be appreciated that the communication system 202, in one exampleembodiment, is devoid of a walkie talkie separate and apart from theplurality of full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242,252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, 312. In the NFL context, this presents asa significantly improved unit for a user to wear by consolidating thetotal equipment to one self-contained full duplex transceiver assembly.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 5 , the instant disclosed conceptadvantageously provides for a group call feature. Specifically, if thedata being emitted by one of the full duplex transceiver assemblies hasa “1” in, for example, the thirteenth data space, regardless of thelogical channel it resides on, that full duplex transceiver assembly hasthe ability to communicate with every other full duplex transceiverassembly. This may be done by, in one example embodiment, pressing andholding one of the volume buttons 132 (e.g., the volume up button for apredetermined time). In practice, this would present as the full duplextransceiver assembly 102, which does have a “1” in the thirteenth dataspace of the data 160, pressing and holding the volume up button 132,and in accordingly, being heard by every one of the other full duplextransceiver assemblies 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302,and 312. This is advantageous in many contexts. For example, in the NFL,if a head coach wants to communicate with every coach to pass along animportant message, the coach can immediately be linked to, and speak to,all of the other coaches, even if they are on different logicalchannels.

Another advantageous feature of the communication system 202 pertains tothe ability of the full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222,232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 to send voltage signals,and to generate a controlled voltage. Specifically, if for example andwithout limitation, the fifteenth data space of the emitted data is a“1”, then that transceiver full duplex transceiver assembly isprogrammed to activate a cable controlled voltage feature of anotherfull duplex transceiver assembly. For example, FIG. 6 shows an array ofdata 560 that may be emitted by another full duplex transceiverassembly. As shown, data spaces 7-12 correspond to “000000” and thefifteenth data space is a “1”. Accordingly, because data spaces 7-12 arezero, if the user of the full duplex transceiver assembly presses thepush to talk button, no communication will be had on one of the seventhto twelfth logical channels. However, in accordance with the disclosedconcept, because the data 560 has a “1” in the fifteenth data space,when the user of the full duplex transceiver assembly 212 presses thepush to talk button, a signal will be sent to all other full duplextransceiver assemblies (e.g., one or more full duplex transceiverassemblies) within the group that are on the same logical channel, andthat also have a “1” in the fifteenth data space, to release acontrolled voltage (e.g., without limitation, 5 volts as long as thepush to talk button is being pressed). This feature is particularlyadvantageous in the airline industry, wherein workers on the ground aretasked with guiding planes on and off of runways. These workers rely onlit up runways, and in accordance with the disclosed concept, ratherthan having to communicate back and forth with control towers to lightup runways, these workers can activate their cable controlled voltagefeatures on their full duplex transceiver assemblies, which would prompta signal to be sent to another full duplex transceiver assembly, whichwould generate a controlled voltage to automatically turn on the lightsfor a runway, thereby significantly improving the ability of airplanesto land and take off.

Another advantageous feature of the disclosed concept is that each ofthe full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252,262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 may include a latch. For example, FIG.7 shows an array of data 660 that may be emitted by another full duplextransceiver assembly. As shown, data spaces 7-12 correspond to “000000”and the fifteenth and sixteenth data spaces correspond to “11”.Accordingly, because data spaces 7-12 are zero, if the user of the fullduplex transceiver assembly presses the push to talk button, nocommunication will be had on one of the seventh to twelfth logicalchannels. However, if the user presses the push to talk button, a singlecontrolled voltage (e.g., 5 volts of electricity) will be released fromthe controlled voltage features of the other full duplex transceiverassemblies (one or more of the full duplex transceiver assemblies)within the group that are on the same logical channel, and that alsohave “11” in the fifteenth and sixteenth data spaces of the data emittedfrom their full duplex transceiver assemblies. If the user presses thepush to talk button a second later time, the 5 volts of electricity willbe released. Accordingly, this feature allows for a particularlycontrolled amount of voltage to be released by the other full duplextransceiver assemblies within the group.

One application of this feature pertains to nuclear power plants.Specifically, in this context, the advantage of the controlled voltagefeature is where a user wearing the device can produce a relay closurelinking that device to the public switch telephone network allowing forland line or cell phone communication to pass directly to the device.For example, an engineer could be located 1000 miles from the nuclearpower plant. That engineer could, upon determining that there is aproblem with the nuclear power plant system, place a call to a switchtelephone network using a cell phone or land line. Subsequently, a fullduplex transceiver assembly in accordance with the disclosed conceptcould be connected to the switch telephone network. Additionally, atechnician and/or others who are wearing full duplex transceiverassemblies paired with the full duplex transceiver assembly connected tothe switch telephone network can push a push to talk button, which wouldlet out a voltage in the t full duplex transceiver assembly connected tothe network, thereby connecting the engineer to the full duplextransceiver assemblies which might be located at the nuclear powerplant. Quick and reliable communication is thus provided, therebysignificantly improving the ability of the engineer and technician tosolve the problem.

Another advantage of the disclosed concept of logical channel assignmentpertains to “call types”. “Call types” allow a group of devices withinthe same group, and while communicating in the same group, to shell outto other independent logical channel and perform two layers ofcommunications, one within the paired group of devices and the other toan independent device associated with one device within the individualgroup on other logical channels. This is not possible within any devicein today's art. It will be appreciated that the communication system 202can use 256 logical channels in a single group, thereby allowing adevice to receive and transmit data from that device on a differentlogical channel. This means that the channel is only a number in thelogical data stream of 256 logical channels. All of this logical datamay then be added to the voice data stream whenever the device sends itsvoice data. By achieving this in a logical channel format, all devicesin the same group automatically knows the assigned logical channel andthe data being sent.

Today, the NFL controls how long the coach or coaches can talk to theplayer with the helmet receiver. The method used today by the NFL is UHFwalkie talkies, UHF repeaters and UHF mini receivers. The NFL limits thetime the coach can speak to the player. That time begins when the 40second play clock begins counting down. At 15 seconds, the referee cutsthe communication through the repeater to the player. With the disclosedtechnology, the full duplex transceiver assembly 102 can be connected tothe automated play clock controller through the six-pin connection. Whenthe automated play clock controller begins counting down from 40 second,a dry contact closure is produced. Connecting two pins from thedisclosed full duplex transceiver assembly 102 to the contact relay willinitiate the communication path from the coach to the player, thusallowing the coach using one of the disclosed full duplex transceiverassemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and312 to communicate with at least one of the external receivers 407, 408,409, and 410 without the need for a walkie talkie, repeater, or externalantenna. Once the automated play clock controller reaches 15 seconds,the relay contact turns to an OPEN state thus cutting the communicationfrom the coach to the player. This is a significant improvement overtodays method.

Additionally, one of the full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212,222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 may be electricallyconnected to a timer (e.g., a play clock in the NFL context that limitsthe time an offense has to snap the ball before a penalty flag isthrown) that is configured to countdown from a first time to zero. Inaccordance with the disclosed concept, responsive to pushing the push totalk button of one of the other full duplex transceiver assemblies(e.g., the full duplex transceiver assembly 212) allows that full duplextransceiver assembly 212 to communicate with the external receivers(e.g., without limitation, earpieces of the offensive players in the NFLcontext) 407, 408, 409, and 410 as long as the push to talk button ofthat full duplex transceiver assembly 212 is being pushed and as long asthe timer is counting down from the first time to a second time betweenthe first time and zero. Furthermore, when the timer counts down fromthe second time to zero, the full duplex transceiver assembly 102prevents the full duplex transceiver assembly 212 from communicatingwith the external receivers 407, 408, 409, and 410 when the push to talkbutton of the full duplex transceiver assembly 212 is being pushed.

Accordingly, the disclosed concept contemplates that a method ofproviding a communication system includes the steps of providing thefull duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262,272, 282, 292, 302, and 312, emitting a different stream of controllingdata with the microprocessor of each of the plurality of full duplextransceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292,302, and 312 when the plurality of full duplex transceiver assembliesare in the ON condition, thereby allowing each of the full duplextransceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292,302, and 312 to communicate among a plurality of different logicalchannels, and embedding with each different stream of controlling data aunique identification number for grouping the full duplex transceiverassemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and312 together. It will also be appreciated that providing the full duplextransceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292,302, and 312 may consist of providing the full duplex transceiverassemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and312 without requiring a sweep for interfering external devices. In theNFL context, this corresponds to an extremely simplified method ofsetup, wherein sweeps of football stadiums, which currently takeextensive time prior to kickoff, can be eliminated.

By using logical channel assignments, the communication system 202 ismore reliable and stable in terms of transferring and receivingcontrolled information within a paired group. To achieve this, thecommunication system 202 adopts the abovementioned frequency hoppingmethod with logical channels and data diversity at the same exact time.One group of devices may use 40 physical frequency channels to hop every4.6 ms according to a secured sequence randomly generated for eachgroup. As such, the above mentioned method may further include occupyingwith the full duplex transceiver assembly 102 a first physical frequencyfor less than 5 milliseconds (e.g., 4.6 milliseconds), hopping the fullduplex transceiver assembly 102 to a second physical frequency differentthan the first physical frequency, occupying with the full duplextransceiver assembly 102 the second physical frequency for less than 5milliseconds (e.g., 4.6 milliseconds), and hopping the full duplextransceiver assembly 102 to a third physical frequency different thanthe second physical frequency.

For example, if there is another system other than the communicationsystem 202 using a fixed physical channel 1, and that other system issending a data stream continually through channel 1, and an existingtransceiver hops onto channel 1 to send data, other devices grouped withthe existing transceiver could not receive the data due to theinterference being caused by the other communication system. Inaccordance with the disclosed concept, the full duplex transceiverassembly 102 that hops onto channel 1 will occupy channel 1 frequencyfor only 4.6 ms and will then hop to another frequency. Even thoughthere was interference from the other communication system, the fullduplex transceiver assembly 102 only loses one packet of data. However,in addition to this data, multiple data packets are sent using twodifferent channel frequencies. This may be referred to as “datadiversity”. This means, even though the transceiver loses the first datapacket by interference from the other communication system, there isother additional data available through another channel in the logicalgroup via data diversity. This frequency hopping and diversity allowsthe communication system 202 to have clearer communication because thediversity method provides redundancy. Thus, a much longer frequencyrange is achieved than known systems, regardless of any congestion.

Additionally, as discussed above, known systems rely on single datadistribution (SDD). The instant disclosed concept provides a solution tothis problem of having the failure of the SDD be catastrophic to thesystem's ability to be integrated. More specifically, whichever one ofthe full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252,262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 is designated as being the SDD (e.g.,the device that instructs each of the remaining devices when and whatchannel to switch to, as well as all of the underlying features thathave been assigned to that full duplex transceiver assembly), that fullduplex transceiver assembly is programmed to give a “WILL” command tothe other full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242,252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 prior to it failing. The “WILL”command outlines the instructions of what needs to be carried out if itwere to be in a FAILED state, e.g., likened to a will from a decedent toliving relatives. Accordingly, if SDD fails, instructions that are givento the other full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242,252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 program them to know how tooperate, e.g., frequency sequences, etc. As such, it will be appreciatedthat the method further includes embedding within the different streamof controlling data of a first one of the full duplex transceiverassemblies a WILL command in order to allow a second one of the fullduplex transceiver assemblies to function as a controller transceiver incase the first full duplex transceiver assembly is in the FAILED state,and responsive to the first full duplex transceiver assembly being inthe FAILED state, assigning the WILL command to one or more of the fullduplex transceiver assemblies. It is further contemplated that the WILLcommand is configured to remain with a given full duplex transceiverassembly. As such, it will be appreciated that responsive to the firstfull duplex transceiver assembly moving from the ON condition to the OFFcondition and back to the ON condition, the WILL command stays assignedto the first full duplex transceiver assembly.

It is also within the scope of the disclosed concept for any number offull duplex transceiver assemblies within the communication system 202that are not assigned a user ID number to join the group by pressing apush to talk button. When these full duplex transceiver assemblies jointhe group, they will be able to transmit to all conversations on thespecific logical channel which they are occupying. Provided there is auser ID for a transceiver to occupy, when the user of that transceiverpresses its push to talk button, it will automatically be assigned as atemporary user ID (e.g., temporary user ID 12), thereby allowing theuser of this additional full duplex transceiver assembly to communicatewith other full duplex transceiver assemblies sharing the same logicalchannel as long as the push to talk button of this additional fullduplex transceiver assembly is being pushed. However, when the push totalk button is released, the temporary user ID is surrendered, thusallowing it to be used by other devices not assigned a user ID.

The temporary user IDs can be understood as floating user IDs. Forexample, when a given full duplex transceiver assembly surrenders itsuser ID, a “1” in a data space (e.g., the fourth data space) will changeto a “0” in that data space. At that time, if one of the other fullduplex transceiver assemblies that does not currently have a user IDpresses its push to talk button, and no other full duplex transceiverassembly has yet occupied the now surrendered user ID, that full duplextransceiver assembly will then have a “0” in its fourth data space bechanged to a “1,” thereby allowing that full duplex transceiver assemblyto communicate with anyone on the fourth logical channel in full duplex,as long as the push to talk button is being pressed.

It is also understood that in the football context, certain coaches(e.g., head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator) maynever surrender their user IDs, e.g., they are dedicated. Stateddifferently, with these coaches, it is understood that full duplextransceiver assemblies with floating user IDs can never occupy thededicated user IDs. However, for example and without limitation, othercoaches (e.g., an offensive line coach) may surrender their user IDs asdescribed above, thereby allowing any number of full duplex transceiverassemblies with floating user IDs to temporarily occupy any unoccupieduser ID.

Moreover, the disclosed floating user ID assignment is not limited tobeing permitted by the pressing of a push to talk button. In accordancewith the disclosed concept, the headsets 104, 214, 224, 234, 244, 254,264, 274, 284, 294, 304, and 314 are each configured to have microphonebooms electrically connected to respective full duplex transceiverassemblies, and that rotate between UP and DOWN positions, correspondingto a position where a user will not (UP) be heard and a position where auser will be heard (DOWN). See, for example, headset assembly 702 inFIG. 8 , showing a microphone boom (shown but not labeled) in a DOWNposition. Similar to the aspects described above with respect topressing the push to talk buttons to temporarily occupy surrendered userIDs, the communication system 202 is configured to have non-dedicatedfull duplex transceiver assemblies (e.g., full duplex transceiverassemblies that are not assigned user IDs) be permitted to join a groupby moving their respective microphone booms from the UP position to thedown position, and exit a group by moving their respective microphonebooms from the DOWN position to the UP position. When this transferoccurs, the results are the same as the above described wherein apressing a push to talk button automatically automatically occupies anunused user ID from the surrendered transceiver. Stated differently,when the user lowers his or her microphone boom to the down position,his or her full duplex transceiver assembly will receive an electricalsignal from the microphone boom and automatically have a bit space inits emitting data change from a “0” to a “1” in an unoccupied user ID,thereby allowing him or her to communicate on that logical channel aslong as his or her microphone boom is down. It is also contemplated thatusers may surrender the current user IDs and occupy an unoccupied userID by raising and lowering their respective microphone booms. That is,if a non-dedicated (e.g., a coach other than a head coach, offensivecoordinator, defensive coordinator, or other coach that the teamdetermines shall not surrender its user ID) coach raises his or hermicrophone boom, he or she will automatically surrender his or her userID, thereby allowing a floating full duplex transceiver assembly tooccupy the now surrendered user ID by lowering his or her microphoneboom (e.g., and also by pressing his or her push to talk button). Thisaspect of the disclosed concept advantageously allows for many more fullduplex transceiver assemblies to join the group beyond a predeterminedlimit (e.g., 12). Furthermore, by eliminating the need to use the pushto talk button, users can communicate with two hands free,advantageously allowing them to take notes. That is, it will beappreciated that while the full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212,222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 comprise thedisclosed communication system 202, any number of additional full duplextransceiver assemblies may be included in the system, and occupy givenuser IDs as just described when non-dedicated users (e.g., an offensiveline coach as described above) surrender their user IDs.

Because logical channels are being employed as the channels throughwhich information is being passed, one or more of the full duplextransceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292,302, and 312 can communicate on one logical channel in full duplex(e.g., free to speak openly with each other). Additionally, at the exactsame time, one or more of the devices can have a separate communicationpath to another device on a separate logical channel performing theabove mentioned functions. This is not possible in existing methods offull duplex communication. For example, known systems for communicatingrequire the use of push to transmit and release to listen buttons ifmore than two transceivers are being used. This is commonly used infirst responder walkie talkies as well as mobile radios that emit adigital stream. However, the digital stream is only emitted when thepush to talk buttons are being pressed. This is inconvenient because itlimits the amount of devices that can communicate in full duplex, e.g.,typically only two devices. In accordance with the disclosed concept, acontrolling stream of data is being continually emitted in order toallow full duplex communication among the paired devices. Thisadvantageously allows significantly more devices to communicate in fullduplex and also allows communication without always requiring a push totalk button to be pressed.

Moreover, in time delay multiple access (TDMA), there are limits to theamount of devices that can communicate in full duplex. For example, atypical TDMA device used in first responder radios allows multiple pathsof communication to two separate transceivers. With more than twotransceivers, in typical TDMA, these devices have to be push to talkbecause the transceivers occupy a specific channel in the TDMA method.Stated differently, with typical TDMA devices, only two devices canreadily communicate in full duplex. The addition of a third device wouldundesirably require the other two devices to operate in push to talksimplex mode. This is again different from the disclosed concept,wherein logical channels advantageously allows for multiple (e.g., inthe disclosed communication system 202 the number is at least 12 fullduplex transceiver assemblies, however any number greater than two iscontemplated), full duplex transceiver assemblies to communicate in fullduplex at the same time.

In an alternative embodiment of the disclosed concept, FIG. 8 shows aheadset assembly 702 incorporating a full duplex transceiver assembly inan earpiece of a headset. It will be appreciated that the headsetassembly 702 is configured to function exactly the same as the fullduplex transceiver assembly 102 and headset 104, discussed above.However, by being integrated into one self-contained subassembly, theheadset assembly 702 advantageously provides for a more comfortableexperience for users. Accordingly, a plurality of full duplextransceiver assemblies of an alternative communication system mayinclude a plurality of headsets that are each integrated with acorresponding full duplex transceiver assembly (e.g., one of the fullduplex transceiver assemblies 102, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272,282, 292, 302, and 312) so as to form a plurality of self-containedsubassemblies each devoid of an external cord between a correspondingfull duplex transceiver assembly and a corresponding headset.Additionally, an alternative communication system may haveheadsets/transceivers integrated as just described, as well asheadsets/transceivers electrically connected by external cords.

FIG. 11 shows a conventional sideline huddle wherein multiple playersare gathered around a coach to discuss game strategy. In thisconventional method, the coach proximate the players may listen toanother coach (e.g., an offensive coordinator) in a press box, and relaywhat that coach is saying to the surrounding players. This is aninefficient method because all of the players on the ground cannot hearthe coach in the press box, and also cannot talk to the coach in thepress box. In a further alternative embodiment of the disclosed concept,FIGS. 12 and 13 show a full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly 802configured to remedy these deficiencies of conventional methods. Theassembly 802 includes a housing 804, a bi-directional microphone 806(shown in simplified form in FIG. 14 ) coupled to the housing 804, aprinted circuit board 808 (shown in simplified form in FIG. 14 ) coupledto and located within the housing 804, and a speaker 810 (shown insimplified form in FIG. 14 ) electrically connected to the printedcircuit board. The printed circuit board 808 includes a transceiver 812having a microprocessor 814, and a bi-directional amplifier 816electrically connected to the microphone, the speaker and thetransceiver. The transceiver of the assembly 802 is preferablyconfigured exactly the same as the transceivers of the full duplextransceiver assemblies 102, 202, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282,292, 302, and 312, discussed above.

Additionally, the microprocessor of the transceiver 812 of thecommunication assembly 802 is configured to emit a delayed controllingstream of data, thereby allowing audio to pass between the transceiver812 and the amplifier 816 without feedback, regardless of theamplification level and the proximity of the microphone to the speaker.It is understood in the art that when a microphone and an amplifier arein close proximity to one another, and audio from the microphone isreceived at the amplifier, some of the resulting audio from theamplifier passes back into the microphone, a situation known asfeedback. However, in accordance with the disclosed concept, themicroprocessor 814 advantageously emits a delayed controlling stream ofdata (e.g., delayed at least 4 milliseconds), thereby eliminating anypossibility for undesirable feedback. Accordingly, when players on thefield are in close proximity to the assembly 802, they will easily hearcommunications on whatever logical channel the assembly's 802transceiver is on via the microphone of the assembly 802, and will alsobe able to communicate with a coach (e.g., an offensive coordinator in apress box) listening to the same logical channel as the transceiver 812of the communication assembly 802 by speaking into the microphone of theassembly 802. It will be appreciated that these advantages are achievedvia one self-contained subassembly 802, rather than a conglomeration ofseparate components wired together. It will also be appreciated that theassembly 802 has all of the same functions and capabilities as the fullduplex transceiver assemblies 102, 202, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262,272, 282, 292, 302, and 312.

In one example embodiment, the full duplex transceiver amplifierassembly 802 further comprises an automatic gain controller coupled tothe housing 804. When the full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly 802is communicating with at least one of the full duplex transceiverassemblies 102, 202, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302,and 312, e.g., the assembly 102, and, responsive to an audio levelproximate the full duplex transceiver assembly 102 rising above apredetermined value, the automatic gain controller moves the full duplextransceiver amplifier assembly 802 from a TRANSMIT state to a RECEIVEstate, thereby preventing audio from passing from the full duplextransceiver amplifier assembly 802 to the full duplex transceiverassembly 102. This presents a number of advantages. For example, in theNFL context, when a coach in a press box is using the full duplexassembly 102 and is communicating with players on the football field whoare using the full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly 802, and wantsto stop audio from entering his or her full duplex transceiver assembly102, he or she can raise his or her voice above a predetermined value.One example advantage of this is that that coach will have a lowerlikelihood of losing a train of thought (e.g., being distracted by audiofrom the full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly 802, which is nowcut off.

This feature of the full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly 802 isknown as supervisory control. Supervisory control provides a mechanismfor the audio flow to and from the full duplex transceiver amplifierassembly 802 to be controlled. More specifically, when a user of acorresponding one of the full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 202,212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 speaks at anaudio level above a predetermined value, audio will be passed from thatassembly to the full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly 802, but notthe other way around. Furthermore, when an audio level from a user ofone of the assemblies 102, 202, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282,292, 302, and 312 is below a predetermined value (e.g., withoutlimitation, the user of the assembly 102 becomes silent), audio in thecommunication system is switched such that audio near the full duplextransceiver amplifier assembly 802 is configured to pass to thecorresponding full duplex transceiver assembly 102, e.g., the automaticgain controller of the full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly 802moves the full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly 802 from a RECEIVEstate to a TRANSMIT state, thereby allowing audio to pass from the fullduplex transceiver amplifier assembly 802 to the full duplex transceiverassembly 102.

In accordance with the disclosed concept, supervisory control within thecommunication system can prevent audio from flowing from the full duplextransceiver amplifier assembly 802 to at least a corresponding one ofthe full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 202, 212, 222, 232, 242,252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 responsive to a user of acorresponding full duplex transceiver assembly speaking at an audiolevel above a predetermined value. In operation, this may present, inone example embodiment, as players on a football field speaking into thefull duplex transceiver amplifier assembly 802, and, a user of one ofthe full duplex transceiver assemblies 102, 202, 212, 222, 232, 242,252, 262, 272, 282, 292, 302, and 312 interrupting the players byspeaking into their assembly, switching the flow of audio in thecommunication system such that it goes from the corresponding fullduplex transceiver assembly 102 into the full duplex transceiveramplifier assembly 802, rather than the flow going from the full duplextransceiver amplifier assembly 802 into the corresponding full duplextransceiver assembly 102.

It will also be appreciated that the firmware within the full duplextransceiver assemblies disclosed herein may be updated. For example,because the array of data (e.g., the 256 bit data) is a data stream, theassigned bits at any one time can be changed by updating the firmware.As disclosed herein, bit spaces 1-6 corresponded to talking channelswhile bit spaces 7-12 corresponded to communication pathways to externalreceivers. If the number of voice channels were desired to be expandedto eight instead of six, and eight for communication with externalreceivers instead of six, then bit spaces 0-8 would correspond to fullduplex talk logical channels, and bit spaces 9-16 would correspond tocommunication pathways to external receivers. Additionally, ifadditional features in addition to group call, push to talk, controlledvoltage, etc., were desired, the firmware could also be updated toprovide for these additional features.

While this disclosure has been described as having exemplary methods,the present disclosure can be further modified within the spirit andscope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended tocover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using itsgeneral principles. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fallwithin the limits of the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. A full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly comprising: ahousing; a microphone coupled to the housing; a printed circuit boardcoupled to and disposed within the housing, the printed circuit boardcomprising a transceiver having a microprocessor, and an amplifier; anda speaker electrically connected to the printed circuit board, theamplifier being electrically connected to the microphone, the speakerand the transceiver, wherein the microprocessor is configured to emit adelayed controlling stream of data, wherein the microprocessor isconfigured to emit the delayed controlling stream of data in order toallow audio to pass between the transceiver and the amplifier withoutfeedback, regardless of the amplification level and the proximity of themicrophone to the speaker, and wherein the controlling stream of data isconfigured to be delayed at least 4 milliseconds by the microprocessor.2. The full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly according to claim 1,being one self-contained subassembly.
 3. The full duplex transceiveramplifier assembly according to claim 1, wherein the full duplextransceiver amplifier assembly is configured to communicate with aplurality of full duplex transceiver assemblies, the plurality of fullduplex transceiver assemblies each comprising a transceiver having amicroprocessor configured to emit a stream of controlling data.
 4. Afull duplex transceiver amplifier assembly comprising: a housing; amicrophone coupled to the housing; a printed circuit board coupled toand disposed within the housing, the printed circuit board comprising atransceiver having a microprocessor, and an amplifier; and a speakerelectrically connected to the printed circuit board, the amplifier beingelectrically connected to the microphone, the speaker and thetransceiver, wherein the microprocessor is configured to emit a delayedcontrolling stream of data, wherein the full duplex transceiveramplifier assembly is configured to communicate with a plurality of fullduplex transceiver assemblies, the plurality of full duplex transceiverassemblies each comprising a transceiver having a microprocessorconfigured to emit a stream of controlling data, wherein themicroprocessor of the full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly and themicroprocessors of the plurality of full duplex transceiver assembliesare each configured to emit a plurality of streams of identicalcontrolling data, the plurality of streams of identical controlling dataof the microprocessor of the full duplex transceiver amplifier assemblybeing different than the plurality of streams of identical controllingdata of the microprocessors of the plurality of full duplex transceiverassemblies.
 5. The full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly accordingto claim 4, wherein the microprocessor is configured to emit the delayedcontrolling stream of data in order to allow audio to pass between thetransceiver and the amplifier without feedback, regardless of theamplification level and the proximity of the microphone to the speaker.6. The full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly according to claim 4,further comprising a channel button electrically connected to themicroprocessor.
 7. The full duplex transceiver amplifier assemblyaccording to claim 4, wherein the controlling stream of data of the fullduplex transceiver amplifier assembly is configured to be delayed atleast 4 milliseconds by the microprocessor of the full duplextransceiver amplifier assembly.
 8. The full duplex transceiver amplifierassembly according to claim 4, further comprising an automatic gaincontroller coupled to the housing of the full duplex transceiveramplifier assembly, and wherein, responsive to an audio level proximateone of the plurality of full duplex transceiver assemblies rising abovea predetermined value, the automatic gain controller moves the fullduplex transceiver amplifier assembly from a TRANSMIT state to a RECEIVEstate, thereby preventing audio from passing from the full duplextransceiver amplifier assembly to the one of the plurality of fullduplex transceiver assemblies.
 9. A full duplex transceiver amplifierassembly comprising: a housing; a microphone coupled to the housing; aprinted circuit board coupled to and disposed within the housing, theprinted circuit board comprising a transceiver having a microprocessor,and an amplifier; and a speaker electrically connected to the printedcircuit board, the amplifier being electrically connected to themicrophone, the speaker and the transceiver, wherein the microprocessoris configured to emit a delayed controlling stream of data, wherein thefull duplex transceiver amplifier assembly is configured to communicatewith a plurality of full duplex transceiver assemblies, the plurality offull duplex transceiver assemblies each comprising a transceiver havinga microprocessor configured to emit a stream of controlling data,wherein the plurality of full duplex assemblies comprises a first fullduplex transceiver assembly, a second full duplex transceiver assembly,and a third full duplex transceiver assembly, wherein the first, second,and third full duplex transceiver assemblies and the full duplextransceiver amplifier assembly are configured to have a plurality ofsequences, wherein in a first sequence, the first full duplextransceiver assembly and the full duplex transceiver amplifier assemblyare on a first physical channel, thereby allowing the users of the firstfull duplex transceiver assembly and the full duplex transceiveramplifier assembly to communicate on the first physical channel in fullduplex, and simultaneously the second and third full duplex transceiverassemblies are on a second physical channel, thereby allowing the usersof the second and third full duplex transceiver assemblies tocommunicate on the second physical channel in full duplex.
 10. Acommunication system comprising: a full duplex transceiver amplifierassembly comprising: a housing, a microphone coupled to the housing, aprinted circuit board coupled to and disposed within the housing, theprinted circuit board comprising a transceiver having a microprocessor,and an amplifier, and a speaker electrically connected to the printedcircuit board, the amplifier being electrically connected to themicrophone, the speaker and the transceiver, wherein the microprocessoris configured to emit a delayed controlling stream of data, and a numberof full duplex transceiver assemblies each configured to be worn by adifferent user, each of the number of full duplex transceiver assembliescomprising a housing and printed circuit board coupled to the housing,the printed circuit board comprising a transceiver having amicroprocessor, each microprocessor of the number of full duplextransceiver assemblies being configured to emit a different stream ofcontrolling data, wherein the full duplex transceiver amplifier assemblyfurther comprises an automatic gain controller coupled to the housing ofthe full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly, and wherein, responsiveto an audio level proximate one of the plurality of full duplextransceiver assemblies rising above a predetermined value, the automaticgain controller moves the full duplex transceiver amplifier assemblyfrom a TRANSMIT state to a RECEIVE state, thereby preventing audio frompassing from the full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly to the oneof the plurality of full duplex transceiver assemblies.
 11. Acommunication system comprising: a full duplex transceiver amplifierassembly comprising: a housing, a microphone coupled to the housing, aprinted circuit board coupled to and disposed within the housing, theprinted circuit board comprising a transceiver having a microprocessor,and an amplifier, and a speaker electrically connected to the printedcircuit board, the amplifier being electrically connected to themicrophone, the speaker and the transceiver, wherein the microprocessoris configured to emit a delayed controlling stream of data, and a numberof full duplex transceiver assemblies each configured to be worn by adifferent user, each of the number of full duplex transceiver assembliescomprising a housing and printed circuit board coupled to the housing,the printed circuit board comprising a transceiver having amicroprocessor, each microprocessor of the number of full duplextransceiver assemblies being configured to emit a different stream ofcontrolling data, wherein the microprocessor of the full duplextransceiver amplifier assembly and the microprocessors of the number offull duplex transceiver assemblies are each configured to emit aplurality of streams of identical controlling data, the plurality ofstreams of identical controlling data of the microprocessors of the fullduplex transceiver amplifier assembly and the number of full duplextransceiver assemblies being different from one another.
 12. Thecommunication system according to claim 11, wherein the microprocessorof the full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly is configured to emitthe delayed controlling stream of data in order to allow audio to passbetween the transceiver of the full duplex transceiver amplifierassembly and the amplifier without feedback, regardless of theamplification level and the proximity of the microphone to the speaker.13. A communication system comprising: a full duplex transceiveramplifier assembly comprising: a housing, a microphone coupled to thehousing, a printed circuit board coupled to and disposed within thehousing, the printed circuit board comprising a transceiver having amicroprocessor, and an amplifier, and a speaker electrically connectedto the printed circuit board, the amplifier being electrically connectedto the microphone, the speaker and the transceiver, wherein themicroprocessor is configured to emit a delayed controlling stream ofdata, and a number of full duplex transceiver assemblies each configuredto be worn by a different user, each of the number of full duplextransceiver assemblies comprising a housing and printed circuit boardcoupled to the housing, the printed circuit board comprising atransceiver having a microprocessor, each microprocessor of the numberof full duplex transceiver assemblies being configured to emit adifferent stream of controlling data, wherein the number of full duplextransceiver assemblies comprises a first full duplex transceiverassembly, a second full duplex transceiver assembly, and a third fullduplex transceiver assembly, wherein the first, second, and third fullduplex transceiver assemblies and the full duplex transceiver amplifierassembly are configured to have a plurality of sequences, wherein in afirst sequence, the first full duplex transceiver assembly and the fullduplex transceiver amplifier assembly are on a first physical channel,thereby allowing the users of the first full duplex transceiver assemblyand the full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly to communicate on thefirst physical channel in full duplex, and simultaneously the second andthird full duplex transceiver assemblies are on a second physicalchannel, thereby allowing the users of the second and third full duplextransceiver assemblies to communicate on the second physical channel infull duplex.
 14. A method of passing audio, the method comprising thesteps of: providing a full duplex transceiver amplifier assemblycomprising: a housing, a microphone coupled to the housing, a printedcircuit board coupled to and disposed within the housing, the printedcircuit board comprising a transceiver having a microprocessor, and anamplifier, and a speaker electrically connected to the printed circuitboard, the amplifier being electrically connected to the microphone, thespeaker and the transceiver; and emitting with the microprocessor adelayed controlling stream of data, wherein, responsive to emitting withthe microprocessor the delayed controlling stream of data, allowingaudio to pass between the transceiver and the amplifier withoutfeedback, regardless of the amplification level and the proximity of themicrophone to the speaker, the method further comprising delaying thecontrolling stream of data at least 4 milliseconds by themicroprocessor.
 15. A method of passing audio, the method comprising thesteps of: providing a full duplex transceiver amplifier assemblycomprising: a housing, a microphone coupled to the housing, a printedcircuit board coupled to and disposed within the housing, the printedcircuit board comprising a transceiver having a microprocessor, and anamplifier, and a speaker electrically connected to the printed circuitboard, the amplifier being electrically connected to the microphone, thespeaker and the transceiver; and emitting with the microprocessor adelayed controlling stream of data, wherein, responsive to emitting withthe microprocessor the delayed controlling stream of data, allowingaudio to pass between the transceiver and the amplifier withoutfeedback, regardless of the amplification level and the proximity of themicrophone to the speaker, the method further comprising: occupying withthe full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly a first physicalfrequency for less than 5 milliseconds; hopping the full duplextransceiver amplifier assembly to a second physical frequency differentthan the first physical frequency; occupying with the full duplextransceiver amplifier assembly the second physical frequency for lessthan 5 milliseconds; and hopping the full duplex transceiver amplifierassembly to a third physical frequency different than the secondfrequency.
 16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising:communicating with the full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly aplurality of full duplex transceiver assemblies; and providing each ofthe plurality of full duplex transceiver assemblies with a transceiverhaving a microprocessor configured to emit a stream of controlling data.17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the delayed controllingstream of data of the full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly isconfigured to be delayed at least 4 milliseconds by the microprocessor.18. A method of passing audio, the method comprising the steps of:providing a full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly comprising: ahousing, a microphone coupled to the housing, a printed circuit boardcoupled to and disposed within the housing, the printed circuit boardcomprising a transceiver having a microprocessor, and an amplifier, anda speaker electrically connected to the printed circuit board, theamplifier being electrically connected to the microphone, the speakerand the transceiver; emitting with the microprocessor a delayedcontrolling stream of data, wherein, responsive to emitting with themicroprocessor the delayed controlling stream of data, allowing audio topass between the transceiver and the amplifier without feedback,regardless of the amplification level and the proximity of themicrophone to the speaker, the method further comprising: communicatingwith the full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly a plurality of fullduplex transceiver assemblies; providing each of the plurality of fullduplex transceiver assemblies with a transceiver having a microprocessorconfigured to emit a stream of controlling data; and emitting with themicroprocessor of the full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly and themicroprocessors of the plurality of full duplex transceiver assemblies aplurality of streams of identical controlling data, the plurality ofstreams of identical controlling data of the microprocessor of the fullduplex transceiver amplifier assembly being different than the pluralityof streams of identical controlling data of the microprocessors of theplurality of full duplex transceiver assemblies.
 19. The methodaccording to claim 18, wherein the plurality of full duplex transceiverassemblies comprises a first full duplex transceiver assembly, a secondfull duplex transceiver assembly, and a third full duplex transceiverassembly, wherein the first, second, and third full duplex transceiverassemblies and the full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly areconfigured to have a plurality of sequences, wherein in a firstsequence, the first full duplex transceiver assembly and the full duplextransceiver amplifier assembly are on a first physical channel, therebyallowing the users of the first full duplex transceiver assembly and thefull duplex transceiver amplifier assembly to communicate on the firstphysical channel in full duplex, and simultaneously the second and thirdfull duplex transceiver assemblies are on a second physical channel,thereby allowing the users of the second and third full duplextransceiver assemblies to communicate on the second physical channel infull duplex.
 20. A method of passing audio, the method comprising thesteps of: providing a full duplex transceiver amplifier assemblycomprising: a housing, a microphone coupled to the housing, a printedcircuit board coupled to and disposed within the housing, the printedcircuit board comprising a transceiver having a microprocessor, and anamplifier, and a speaker electrically connected to the printed circuitboard, the amplifier being electrically connected to the microphone, thespeaker and the transceiver; emitting with the microprocessor a delayedcontrolling stream of data, wherein, responsive to emitting with themicroprocessor the delayed controlling stream of data, allowing audio topass between the transceiver and the amplifier without feedback,regardless of the amplification level and the proximity of themicrophone to the speaker, the method further comprising: communicatingwith the full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly a plurality of fullduplex transceiver assemblies; providing each of the plurality of fullduplex transceiver assemblies with a transceiver having a microprocessorconfigured to emit a stream of controlling data, wherein the full duplextransceiver amplifier assembly further comprises an automatic gaincontroller coupled to the housing of the full duplex transceiveramplifier assembly, the method further comprising: responsive to anaudio level proximate one of the plurality of full duplex transceiverassemblies rising above a predetermined value, moving the full duplextransceiver amplifier assembly from a TRANSMIT state to a RECEIVE statewith the automatic gain controller, thereby preventing audio frompassing from the full duplex transceiver amplifier assembly to the oneof the plurality of full duplex transceiver assemblies.